As always Tara, I learned much from this story. I have heard of the X-15 and probably of Mr. Joseph A. Walker but, I didn't know of his space records nor that the craft suffered significant damage upon reentry. I also didn't know about the unwieldy handling of the X-15. His untimely demise is also new to me. In many ways, Mr. Walker should have been as well known as John Glenn and many of the first space explorers, in my opinion. Thank you, Tara.
What an amazing story. Our space explorations have always intrigued me. It was great to read abut this heroic American pilot who was a pioneer for the exciting space programs that followed. Test pilot Joseph Walker led the way.
Those Test Pilots were fearless in their jobs and Walker achieved what was the ultimate sacrifice of one "he augered in" a term all Test Pilots understood 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As a child, I was fascinated by the X-15, built a model of it, and followed its exploits. I didn't know the names of the pilots, but knew it was flown into outter space. The crash into the desert was astounding, even terrifying. What a glorious time to be a youth and follow those events!
Being raised in Ohio, near the Wright-Patterson AFB, I had the privilege of seeing the remaining XB-70 Valkyrie at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, originally shown out of doors, but now is housed inside with other gigantic aircraft. We visit the museum on almost every visit back home. Experimental, just as was the X-15, the Valkyrie was another of those astounding (in my youthful mind) achievements. I remember the reports of the Starfighter and the Valkyrie colliding (the fighter clipped the tail of the bomber, by reports) and the sadness that filled our hearts. I did not realize that Walker was that pilot. Thanks, Tara, for that bit of information. Keep up the great work!
As a boy I loved reading "MIKE MARS FLIES THE X-15" | Donald A. Wollheim and yes, would have loved to have been a pilot. If only us partial color-blind folks could have done that. Still, it was inspiring and got me thinking about science, computers and the military, despite Vietnam looming in the background.
I always associate the X-15 with Scott Crossfield, who did the initial test piloting though he never got to fly it into space. His remark about the retirement of the X-15 was that it was one of the few planes whose retirement would cause grown men to cry.
An absolutely great history lesson, Tara! I have long thought that these test pilots back then were partially nuts!
I have been in a 2-seat Air Force jet trainer rear cockpit when the pilot slammed the throttle full forward. Already doing 350 mph, that dramatic acceleration and additional climb out really gets your attention! (A few times, I remember thinking to myself, "I want my Mom!")
I can only imagine what that would feel like to light that rocket engine behind you after being dropped from the B-52. --- I can easily see why he would call out to his Creator!
Thanks for adding the details to these great, and important, history lessons, Tara!
When I was younger I was fascinated by the X-15 . I have a die-cast model of the aircraft in my room today. Thank you for the story.
This is every bit as courageous as the men going into battle! God bless him for his service and sacrifice for my country! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As always Tara, I learned much from this story. I have heard of the X-15 and probably of Mr. Joseph A. Walker but, I didn't know of his space records nor that the craft suffered significant damage upon reentry. I also didn't know about the unwieldy handling of the X-15. His untimely demise is also new to me. In many ways, Mr. Walker should have been as well known as John Glenn and many of the first space explorers, in my opinion. Thank you, Tara.
What an amazing story. Our space explorations have always intrigued me. It was great to read abut this heroic American pilot who was a pioneer for the exciting space programs that followed. Test pilot Joseph Walker led the way.
What a story.
Thank you Tara for another great story.
Those Test Pilots were fearless in their jobs and Walker achieved what was the ultimate sacrifice of one "he augered in" a term all Test Pilots understood 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Another awesome informative post!
As a child, I was fascinated by the X-15, built a model of it, and followed its exploits. I didn't know the names of the pilots, but knew it was flown into outter space. The crash into the desert was astounding, even terrifying. What a glorious time to be a youth and follow those events!
Being raised in Ohio, near the Wright-Patterson AFB, I had the privilege of seeing the remaining XB-70 Valkyrie at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, originally shown out of doors, but now is housed inside with other gigantic aircraft. We visit the museum on almost every visit back home. Experimental, just as was the X-15, the Valkyrie was another of those astounding (in my youthful mind) achievements. I remember the reports of the Starfighter and the Valkyrie colliding (the fighter clipped the tail of the bomber, by reports) and the sadness that filled our hearts. I did not realize that Walker was that pilot. Thanks, Tara, for that bit of information. Keep up the great work!
As a boy I loved reading "MIKE MARS FLIES THE X-15" | Donald A. Wollheim and yes, would have loved to have been a pilot. If only us partial color-blind folks could have done that. Still, it was inspiring and got me thinking about science, computers and the military, despite Vietnam looming in the background.
👍👍👍
That was a wonderful story and historical gem that I did not know. I was aware of the X-15, but not at this level. Thank you Tara...
I remember reading about this but you added so much detail in this story. TY Tara.
I always associate the X-15 with Scott Crossfield, who did the initial test piloting though he never got to fly it into space. His remark about the retirement of the X-15 was that it was one of the few planes whose retirement would cause grown men to cry.
The X-15 fueled my adolescent imagination. Thank you, Tara!✌️
Very interesting!
An absolutely great history lesson, Tara! I have long thought that these test pilots back then were partially nuts!
I have been in a 2-seat Air Force jet trainer rear cockpit when the pilot slammed the throttle full forward. Already doing 350 mph, that dramatic acceleration and additional climb out really gets your attention! (A few times, I remember thinking to myself, "I want my Mom!")
I can only imagine what that would feel like to light that rocket engine behind you after being dropped from the B-52. --- I can easily see why he would call out to his Creator!
Thanks for adding the details to these great, and important, history lessons, Tara!